Nothing to do!

Nothing grows in the winter so there's nothing to do, right? Wrong as it turns out. It's an annoying truth that when you think nothing is growing those pesky weeds are still soldiering on. Yesterday down on Lotti there were 5 hardy perennials (allotment regulars not plants) rooting out those unwanted guests. As unexpected bonus to our efforts was some red onions we found that had evaded harvest.

Not all weeds need be completely unwanted. Dandelions, which along with cockroaches may be the only things to outlive a nuclear winter, make a nice snack for hamsters or rabbits. You might want to try them yourself in a salad. Either way, the earlier you get them out the easier it is. Just make sure to take the whole root out - or as much as you can manage - or you'll find them coming back again and again.

There are some members of Hillside Harvest who know what they're talking about and others, like me, who are just beginners. When running a community allotment it can be tricky knowing what's to be done. The first thing I do when I get there is to ask advice from a more experienced member. There is also a handy list in the shed that lists all the jobs to be done that month.

Winter is the time when the allotment is prepared for the growing season. That can be anything from ensuring the plots are clear of weeds to adding fertilisers and compost to your beds. You'll also be wanting to plan out your allotment for the year to come. Many allotment holders use a system of crop rotation and Hillside Harvest is no exception. More on that next time. Until then, as Brucie might say, keeeep gardening.